Hyundai is gearing up to introduce its most significant electric vehicle yet, with an unveiling planned for January. This move comes as the European Union considers a potential reversal of its ban on new internal combustion engine car sales post-2035. However, Hyundai's dedication to its electric vehicle expansion in Europe remains unwavering, promising a model that surpasses even its large Ioniq 9 SUV in size.
The current Ioniq 9, a three-row SUV extending over five meters, is already a considerable presence on European roads. The manufacturer's cryptic statement that the forthcoming EV will "supplement the brand's existing lineup" of electric models hints that it might not be another large SUV. This leaves room for speculation regarding the model's type, despite the lack of specific details.
Hyundai's confirmation of advanced features such as 800-volt charging capabilities and cutting-edge electric technology provides few clues about the vehicle's identity. The fact that it's described as a production model, rather than a concept, indicates it will be ready for market. The single teaser image released shows a distinctive full-width LED light bar, which might be a key visual identifier.
Observing the teaser image and considering Hyundai's current vehicle portfolio, it seems plausible that the company intends to electrify its futuristic Staria minivan. The Staria, which measures 5.25 meters in length, is even larger than the Ioniq 9, making it a strong candidate for Hyundai's "largest EV ever." Reports from mid-2024 by The Korea Economic Daily suggested an all-electric variant of the Staria could debut around 2026.
These reports also highlighted Europe, Australia, and Thailand as crucial markets for the electric van. The Staria has been available with gasoline, diesel, and hybrid powertrains since 2021, and a fully electric version is projected to achieve approximately 20,000 global sales annually.
The Brussels Motor Show will serve as the platform for this significant reveal from Hyundai, while its sister brand, Kia, plans to debut its smallest electric car, the EV2, alongside performance-oriented GT versions of its EV3, EV4, and EV5 models. The participation of both Hyundai and Kia, among 64 other automotive brands, underscores a continued belief in the relevance of traditional auto shows, despite the rise of digital marketing platforms.
The introduction of this new, large electric vehicle, potentially the electric Staria, marks a crucial step in Hyundai's ongoing commitment to electric mobility. This development occurs at a time when the broader automotive industry faces evolving regulations and consumer preferences regarding vehicle powertrains, demonstrating Hyundai's adaptive strategy to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly changing global market.
